DMAC Issues Statement On Commercial Diving And Health

The health risks associated with work in the commercial diving industry are the subject of a single page statement issued by the Diving Medical Advisory Committee (DMAC). DMAC is the independent body of diving medical specialists from across Europe that seeks to provide advice about medical and certain safety aspects of commercial diving. The committee has members from Italy, The Netherlands, Norway and the UK.

"Divers intending a career in the industry, as well as those responsible for their management, safety and welfare need to be aware of the health risks associated with work in the industry," explains the committee's chairman, Dr Alf O Brubakk of the University of Trondheim, Norway. "Our statement is intended to provide a summary of the current state of knowledge. We strongly advise that individuals wishing to have further, or fuller, information should contact their diving medical adviser."

The one-page statement summarises, in five bullet points, the current state of knowledge with respect to pressure effects and other risks arising from the environment, equipment and activity and gives a brief overview on the debate concerning possible long-term health effects for divers.

"As we say in a sixth and final bullet point, the findings indicate that although long term health effects are mostly minor in nature, there is a continuing need to improve all aspects of safety within the diving industry," says Dr Brubakk. "The improvements in diving procedures which have resulted in significant reductions in incidence of decompression illness may contribute to a reduction in long term health effects in the future. However, attention should also be paid to other aspects of commercial diver safety, including the risks of trauma and the control of toxic exposures. Measures to control these risks would be expected to reduce any long term health impact in the future."

Further information on DMAC's work is available at www.dmac-diving.org and the statement (IMCA D 09/06) can be downloaded from this website.

SOURCE: DMAC